Since its establishment on 40 acres in Ann Arbor, and as additional land has been acquired, the University of Michigan has conducted a variety of planning studies to guide the short- and long-term physical development of campus. Created to support the institution’s academic, research, clinical, student life and athletic missions, these plans also provide flexibility to address space planning, land use, technology and infrastructure requirements.
Campus Plan 2050
Campus Plan 2050 was released in fall 2024 after more than a year of engagement and deliberation with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners.
Developed in support of Vision 2034 to create a physical environment that strengthens connections throughout the campus community and provides spaces and places for engagement and collaboration, the plan identifies:
- Long-term strategic investments to modernize existing academic and research facilities and develop new ones.
- New systems for thoughtful greenspaces and exciting mobility enhancements.
- An innovation district offering vibrant spaces and amenities to nurture interdisciplinary discovery, entrepreneurship and private-public partnerships.
- Environmentally responsible transportation to link the five major campus areas through an automated transit system on an elevated guideway paired with a rapid transit bus system.
- Environmentally responsible practices to help eliminate direct on-campus greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
- Strategic investment and renewal opportunities to foster a model of sustainability and decarbonization.
North Campus Master Plan Update
In 2008, an update of the North Campus Master Plan was completed by Sasaki Associates. The previous master planning study was prepared in 1984, and although it guided development for many years, the growth and changing nature of North Campus led to the preparation of an update. The Master Plan Update provides a flexible physical framework for coordinating incremental development on North Campus and focuses on four guiding themes: create strong connections; promote campus vitality; optimize development capacity; and respect and incorporate environmental features.Medical Center Master Plan Update
Medical Center Master Plan Update
In 2005, Sasaki Associates updated the Medical Center master plan. The previous master plan for the Medical Center was prepared in 1980 and had focused on the retention of the old University Hospital building, which had been built in 1925 (sometimes referred to as Old Main Hospital). However, a new University Hospital was constructed in 1986, and the old hospital demolished in 1989, making the master plan of 1980 no longer valid. The master plan update of 2005 encompasses not only the Medical Center Campus core area, but also the Wall Street district located nearby, and the East Medical Campus located on the northeast side of Ann Arbor.
Campus Planning 1998
In 1997, the firm of Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates (VSBA) studied master planning issues in general on the several Ann Arbor campuses. During these recent years, there has been an emphasis on a planning “process” which would be constantly in progress and could shift its focus to various emerging issues as they arose over time. This process produced a series of reports dealing with various aspects of the planning process. The first major report compiled from this process was the Overview Report of 1998.
One of the major accomplishments of recent planning activities was the inception, design, and construction of the Life Sciences Complex, located on the northeast corner of the Central Campus. While an independent Life Sciences Commission focused its energy on identifying research and teaching agenda for the new initiative, VSBA focused on the facilities and operations side of the project. Two important parameters shaped this aspect – the nature of the facility and placement on campus. Outstanding scientists will require outstanding facilities and equipment. The scientists will need to be in close proximity to the various disciplines on campus and providing linkages to each was the work of VSBA.
Campus Planning 1960-1990
Executed by the local planning firm of Johnson, Johnson and Roy, these early plans included the Central Campus Planning Study of 1963, the North Campus Planning Study of 1984, the Central Campus Planning Study update of 1987, and the South Campus Planning Study of 1991.